11 Whole Grain Breakfast Recipes That Don't Suck

Foods made with whole grains have unfairly earned bad reputation, often for being too mealy and sometimes for just being kind of gross. But whole grain breakfasts don’t have to taste bad. In fact, there are plenty of whole grain breakfasts that don’t suck and are still good for your health. Getting more whole grains into your diet doesn’t have to be a chore, either. It can actually be quite easy—and very delicious—to add more whole wheat and whole grains to your breakfast, and you don’t have to give up exciting flavors or pleasing textures to eat well in the morning.

If you’re not eating whole grains and whole wheat, it might be worthwhile for you to give it a shot, because unlike refined grains like all-purpose flour or white bread, whole grains contain all parts of the kernel, which means there’s 25 percent more protein in whole grains than in refined grains, according to the Whole Grains Council. Many whole grains are also high in fiber, which can help you feel full until lunchtime. Plus, eating more whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

But making a healthy choice for breakfast doesn’t mean you have to eat something you don’t like, and these 11 recipes are proof that whole grain breakfasts can be just as appetizing as they are healthy.

Chocolate Chip Scones

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Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up chocolate, and these whole wheat chocolate chip scones let you enjoy the best of both worlds. This recipe from Fit Mitten Kitchen is also dairy- and egg-free so it’ll satisfy the vegans in your life, too.

Homemade Tortillas

Homemade whole wheat tortillas are a perfect vehicle for a healthy breakfast burrito, and since this recipe only has four ingredients, it’s easy to make them anytime.

Applesauce Oat Muffins

These applesauce oat muffins are not only healthy, they’re convenient, because they can be made in a single bowl in less than 30 minutes. They also freeze well, so after you make a big batch, you can save them for much, much later.

Morning Glory Muffins

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The beauty of these whole wheat morning glory muffins from Baker By Nature is that they’re full of healthy ingredients, like carrot shreds, walnuts, raisins, and even coconut flakes, and yet still somehow taste like cinnamon apple or carrot cake.

Maple Pecan Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa is, in many ways, the mother of all healthy whole grains, because it’s a great source of protein as well as fiber. This maple pecan quinoa bowl from Simply Quinoa makes the most of the grain by turning it into a sweet, but still healthy, porridge.

Lemon Poppyseed Oatmeal Muffins

These lemon poppyseed oatmeal muffins, made with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt, are topped with toasted coconut flakes, which add some extra flavor and texture.

Whole Wheat Waffles

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Just because you’re making whole wheat waffles, doesn’t mean the batter has to be dense. This recipe from My Sequined Life calls for folding in whipped up egg whites at the end to keep the waffles light and fluffy.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Oatmeal Pancakes

All you really need to make these healthy oatmeal whole wheat pancakes is whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and quick oats. Feel free to toss in some raspberries, strawberries, or even chocolate chips as your heart and stomach desire.

Pear Oatmeal Bars

Vegan, gluten-free, made with whole wheat flour, and sweetened naturally by the fruit baked inside, these pear oatmeal bars from Happy Healthy Mama have got it all. Plus, they’re easy to grab and go.

Breakfast Cookies

Photo by Jiselle Basile

No one’s going to tell you that you can’t eat cookies for breakfast if they’re healthy breakfast cookies. Made with oats and banana, among a slew of other ingredients, these breakfast cookies are just as filling as they are sweet.